The Pikes Peak chapter of the Big Brothers Big Sisters is facing a crucial shortage of mentors. Specifically, the organization needs male volunteers to help fill the needs of dozens of young boys who are waiting for male mentors.

Currently, Big Brothers Big Sisters has about 50 young boys on a list waiting to be matched up with a volunteer "big brother", and the average wait to get a match is a year.

According to April Speak, the Executive Director of the Pikes Peak chapter of BBBS, many single mothers or other caregivers seek out the organization's unique services in this region. She says that's because in some cases, divorce, military service, or incarceration leaves boys in a family without a male role model, which a "big brother" can provide.

Scott Shane, a youngster who's been matched up with a mentor through the program, was left fatherless when his dad died. Shane says he enjoys activities with his mentor like playing basketball, visiting parks, going ice skating and hanging out.

According to a 1998 study of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program by researcher Jean Baldwin Grossman, over an 18-month period, youths participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters Programs were "significantly less likely to have started using illegal drugs or alcohol, hit someone, or skipped school. They were also more confident about their school performance and got along better with their families."

As Ms. Speake tells KKTV, volunteering to be a mentor doesn't require an intense commitment of time. Speake says, "All we ask is that you include your little brother in your everyday activities." That could include going to get a haircut, watching a football game at a restaurant, or doing your errands.

Speake says the key is to spend quality time communicating and bonding with the youngster.

For more information on how to volunteer, or to donate, click on the link below.